Modular apparatus for processing web material



Nov. 19, 1963 o. v. DUTRO ETAL 3,111,250

MODULAR APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING WEB MATERIAL 2 SheetsSheet 1 Filed Oct. 19, 1961 INVENTORS.

Orville V. Dufro Sherman H. Hewson B Donald A. Glaser M y Y Nov. 19, 1963 o. v. DUTRO ETAL 3,111,250

MODULAR APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING WEB MATERIAL Filed Oct. 19, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 2 INVENTORS.

F1 96- Orville V. Du Tro r BY Sherman H. Hevvson Donald A. Glaser United States Patent 3,1113% MGDULAR APPARATUS FER PRGCESSENG WEB MATEREAL Orville V. Dutro, 5068 N. Commonwealth, and Sherman H. Hewson, 64!} Knight Way, both of La Canada, gaiifi, and Donald A. Glaser, 1529 West 52th, Emporia,

ans.

Filed (let. 19, 1961, Ser- No. 146,195 13 Claims. (ill. 226-1@1) This invention relates to apparatus adapted for processing material in web form and, more particularly, to modular apparatus for use in the application of materials or forces to one or both surfaces of an elongated web. The concepts of the invention apply equally to various processes and operations required to be performed on webs formed from a variety of materials including paper, metal foil, plastic sheets and cloth and, therefore, it is not intended that the present invention be restricted to a particular process or specific type of we For illustrative purposes however, a preferred embodiment of the instant invention is shown and described herein and comprises printing apparatus capable of performing a number of different and successive operations on an elongated web of paper or the like.

The present invention pertains to a power transmitting cabinet and to base providing means for a number of such cabinets adapted and disposed to perform a series of interrelated, sequential operations whereby the cabl nets may be readily and quickly aligned and operably interconnected, while at the same time remain disposed for fast on the job interchangeability to alter the sequence and types of operations performed thereby.

In modular web-fed printing apparatus, a number of web-processing units are arranged to simultaneously receive different portions of an elongated web, and each unit is adapted to perform a specific operation on the web, such as printing, cutting, perforating or gluing, as the web passes through :the corresponding units and the units adjacent thereto. Since these operations on the web are performed substantially simultaneously, it is necessary that the units be properly positioned relative to each other and to the web passing therethrough so that the operations of the units on the web may be readily and properly performed, while at the same time assuring that the web is not subjected to damaging stresses and strains, Furthermore, it is necessary that all of the units be driven at the same time as the same receive the web to perform the corresponding operations on the web. It is clear that, if one of the units fails to operate, the remaining units must be shut down in order to determine and repair the cause of the malfunction before operation thereof can be resumed.

The present invention provides track structure for disposing a number of such units in position to properly receive the web and to simultaneously perform distinct operations thereon without damaging the web, while at the same time locating the units in operating positions to give an attractive, finished appearance thereto and permitting the units to be interchangeable at will, depending upon the operations desired to be performed on the web. In addition, the present invention includes improved drive means for the units which is actuated from a single source of power and including means for drivingly interconnecting units so that the units will be driven from the single source of power to thereby preclude the necessity and expense of an individual power source for each unit.

It is, therefore, the primary object of the present invention to provide modular web-processing apparatus including a number of aligned, operably interrelated units disposed in positions to perform distinct and successive operations on a web passing therethrough, while the units 3,lll,25 Patented Nov. 19, 1963 ice remain capable of being shifted about to change the relative positions thereof, whereby the units are constructed to permit ready and quick on the job interchangeability to alter the sequence of operations performed by units on hand or to supplement said operations by the insertion of an additional, after-acquired unit.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of locating or aligning means adapted to dispose the units in proper alignment to receive the web, while at the same time permitting each unit to be readily and quickly coupled to adjacent units, whereby the units are in proper relative positions to sequentially perform the operations on the web and the units may be driven from a single source of power, thus precluding the necessity of an individual power source for each unit.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of individual drive means for each of the units with the drive means of one of the units being adapted for interconnection with a source of power and with the drive means of adjacent units being interconnected whereby the units are all driven from a single source of power to thereby preclude the necessity for an individual power source for each unit and to minimize the number of available sources of malfunction to thereby decrease the amount of lost operating time due to the shutdown of the units caused by faulty power sources.

Yet another object of the present invention is the provision of locating means preferably in the nature of track structure which includes a pair of spaced tracks adapted to be disposed on a supporting surface in positions to align the drive means of adjacent units, whereby the units may be individually placed on the tracks and moved into proximity with the adjacent units without having to shift the units verticmly or laterally in order to properly mate the drive means prior to the interconnection thereof.

Yet another object of the present invention is the provision of track structure which is constructed of relatively high strength materials and capable of withstanding considerably large weights while maintaining proper positions on the supporting surface, whereby any number of heavy, bulky printing press units may be disposed on the track structure without damaging the same and without disrupting the orientation thereof on the supporting surface.

Yet another object of the present invention is the provision of a track structure including a pair of spaced tracks adapted to be secured to a supporting surface, and wherein the tracks each include a number of longitudinally extending, interconnected sections rigidly mounted to each other at proximal ends thereof whereby the tracks may be extended by increasing the number of sections thereon to thereby accommodate an increased number of printing press units depending upon the operations desired to be performed on the web passing through the units. 7

Still another object of the present invention is the provision of drive means carried by each of the aforesaid units and including a rotatable shaft having gear means thereon at one end thereof, the gear means adapted to be operably connected with coupling means, preferably in the form of an elongated, tubular coupling member carried by an adjacent unit whereby the units may be drivingly interconnected when the gear means is operably coupled with the coupling member to rotate the latter responsive to the rotation of the shaft.

Still another object of the present invention is the provision of gear means on the shaft of the drive means of a corresponding unit, and wherein the gear means is receiv-able in meshing relationship with sleeve means having internal-1y disposed gear means thereon and carried by the aforesaid coupling member, whereby the coupling member is operably interconnected to the drive means of an 3 adjacent unit when the units are brought into proximity with each other to thereby drivingly interconnect each unit so that the units may be driven from a common source of power.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of gear means on the shaft of each individual drive means, and wherein the gear means is provided with a convex, external surface having teeth thereon configured to the surface, whereby the gear means is more readily receivable within the corresponding sleeve means to thereby more readily intercouple the coupling member I" the adjacent unit to the corresponding drive means.

Other objects of the present invention will become apparent as the following specification progresses, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the instant invention which takes the form of modular printing apparatus having a number of webprocessing units arranged in operating positions and supported on locating means therebeneath;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the locating means in the nature of track structure for supporting the units in a modular arrangement and illustrating a pair of tracks including a number of interconnected sections spaced a predetermined distance apart by spacer means;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational View of the track structure illustrated in FIG. 2 and showing the leveling means and means for interconnecting adjacent sections comprising the tracks;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the track structure taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, side elcvational view of a pair of adjacent web-processing units and illustrating the individual drive means for each of the units, parts being broken away and in section to illustrate details of construction and to illustrate a coupling member for interconnecting the drive means of the adjacent units;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary, side elevational view of the interconnection between the coupling member and the gear means on the drive means of one of the units, parts being in section to illustrate details of construction.

For purposes of illustration only, the instant invention relates to web printing apparatus having web-processing units adapted to perform distinct operations on a web passing therethrough. Locating means is provided for arranging the units to receive the web and to simultaneously perform the operations on the web, While at the same time to give a finished, workmanlike appearance to the assembly comprising the units in operating positions. A pre ferred locating means is track structure which includes a pair of elongated tracks adapted to be disposed upon a support structure and spaced by means of spacer means to properly engage the underside of the units and to maintain the same in proper operating positions. Means is provided for leveling the tracks and thereby leveling the units supported on the latter.

Each of the units is provided with drive means including a pair of rotatable shafts extending outwardly from the drive means in opposed directions and provided with ring gear means on the outermost ends of the shafts. Coupling means is provided to interconnect proximal shafts of adjacent printing press units, and preferably includes an elongated, tubular coupling member. Each coupling member is provided with geared sleeve means at each end thereof adapted to mesh with the corresponding ring gear means on the ends of the proximal shafts. The drive means of one of the units is adapted to be operably coupled to a source of power so that all of the units is driven from the said source to thus preclude the necessity of individual power sources 'for each unit.

Web-fed printing apparatus broadly denoted by the numeral 10, is illustrated in FIG. 1 and comprises a number of aligned units l2, l4, lo, 18 and 2%} arranged to re ceive an elongated web and to perform distinct and individual operations on the web as the latter passes through units 12 to 29 inclusive. For instance, unit 12 may be a roll stand adapted to receive a roll 22 of sheet material in web form, and to feed the Web to unit 14, the latter preferably being a printing unit adapted to print the web by means of an impression cylinder associated therewith. Likewise, unit 16 may well be a printing unit for receiving the Web from unit 1 to add additional printing to the web, or to print the web with printing ink of a color different from the color of the printing ink utilized with unit 14.

Unit 13 may well be a terminal unit adapted to per -form perforating operations on the web as the same passes therethrough. Unit 2:) may preferably be a delivery unit for proper inspection of the material after the same has been perforated or cut by the preceding unit 18 and which further permits easy access to the web in finished form for subsequent distribution. It is noted that each of the units 12 to 2b inclusive is normally independent of the adjacent unit so that the units may be removed from the alignment illustrated in FIG. 1, or additional units may be added to increase the capabilities of apparatus it), depending upon the operations desired to be performed on the web passing therethrough.

Track structure broadly denoted by the numeral 24, is adapted to support apparatus it including units 12 to 20 inclusive, on a supporting surface so that the units may properly perform the individual operations on the web, while at the same time the units may give :a finished and attractive appearance to observers thereof.

Track structure 24 includes a pair of tracks 26 and 28, each having a generally rectangular cross section and provided with a pair of opposed sides 3%? and 32, and a pair of opposed ends 34- and 36. Tracks 28 may be formed from a number of interconnected sections 33 and 46 so that any number of sections may be utilized to form tracks 26 and 23 to thereby accommodate any number of additional units with units 712 to 2d inclusive. Angle irons 42 and 44 are provided with tracks 26 and 23 respectively for securing the latter to a supporting surface denoted by the numeral 46. Each of angle irons 42 and 44 is provided With an upright stretch 48 which is secured to the normally innermost side Si) by means of longitudinally spaced stud bolts 5% threadably received within the corresponding track 26 or 28. A laterally extending stretch 52 is integral with stretch 48 and extends outwardly from the innermost side 3%).

A plurality of longitudinally spaced stud bolts 54 pass through openings in stretches 5'2 and are adapted to be threadably mounted within internally threaded bores in surface 46 for securing stretches 52 to surface 46. To properly level tracks 26 and 23, a number of threaded rods (not shown) are threadably received within tracks 26 and 2 3 at the generally lowermost ends 36 thereof. A pair of nuts 56 is threadably mounted on the rods and the uppermost nut 55 is disposed in supporting relationship to the proximal end 36, while the lowermost nut 56 is disposed to lock the uppermost nut 55 in position above surface 41?. It is clear that nuts 56 are manually rotated to properly position the corresponding track 26 or 28 above surface 46.

Tracks 26 and 23 are maintained in laterally spaced relationship by a plurality of elongated, cylindrical beams 58 comprised of heavy duty stock material. Each beam 53 is provided with ends spaced from [the innermost sides of tracks 26 and 23 by virtue of spacers Stud bolts 61 pass through aligned, countersunk openings in tracks 26 and 23, through corresponding spacers 68, and are threadably received Wltlllll internally threaded bores at the corresponding ends of the beam to secure the latter to tracks 26 and 28.

Sections 33 and 5:3 of each track 26 or 28 are interconnected by a plate 62 and the latter serves as a spacer lieu of a spacer 68 to space the proximal end of the corresponding beam 58 from the adjacent side 3% Plate 62 receives bolts 69 to interconnect plate sit with sections 33 and 49.

Each of the units 12 to inclusive includes a pair of sides 76 formed from castings and illustrated in FIG. 5. Cross plates 72 interconnect corresponding ends of sides 71) so as to form a housing capable of containing drive means broadly denoted by the numeral 74. Opposed panels 73 are mounted on sides 70 by means of hinges 75 to give a neat and finished, workmanlike apparance to the units while permitting access to the interior of the units. Each of the cross plates 72 is provided with an opening 7 6 therein aligned with the opening 76 in the adjacent cross plate 72. Each side 7% is provided with a central opening 7 8 for mounting an elongated, normally horizontally disposed support 80 thereon, support 89 adapted to mount drive means 74 of each unit in a position aligned with the opposed openings 76 in the corresponding cross plates 72.

Each unit is provided with track-engaging devices 82 adjacent the lowermost margins of sides 7%, each device 82 provided with a recess 84 therein for complementally receiving the generally uppermost end 34 of the corresponding track 26 or 28. Since devices 32 are rigidly secured to the sides 70, it is clear that tracks 26 and 2 3 must be maintained in predetermined locations relative to each other to properly be positioned within the recesses 84 of devices '82.

Drive means 74 of each unit includes a gear box 86 having a pair of opposed shafts 83 and 91' extending outwardly therefrom in opposed directions normal to the planes of cross plates 72. A laterally extending shaft 92 extends outwardly from gear box 86 and is rotatable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the axes of rotation of shafts 88 and 9%, the latter having coextensive, longitudinal axes. A pulley or sprocket 94 is disposed on the outermost end of shaft 92 and is adapted to receive an endless, toothed timing belt operably coupled with the corresponding unit for actuating the latter. A belt of such construction is utilized, since exact timing must be maintained between the belt is highly accurate in pitch quieter when operating.

Gear box 86 is disposed on support 3% by virtue of a number of stud bolts as so that the shafts 83 and 3%) are disposed on the axes of revolution of openings 76. Ring gear means 98 is disposed on the outermost end of each of the shafts 33 and 99. Gear means 9% comprises a hub 1th) secured to the corresponding shaft 3 3 or 99, and is provided with an annular gear 132 having a convex, outermost surface and provided with teeth 1% configured to the outermost surface of gear 192 to provide a segment of a sphere determined by the outermost convex edges of the teeth 104.

Means for interconnecting the drive means 74 0f a pair of adjacent units, includes an elongated, tubular coupling member 1% adapted to be disposed within proximal openings 76 of the adjacent cross plates 72. Member 1% is provided with sleeve means 1&8 thereon at each end thereof for operably receiving the proximal gear 1&2. Sleeve means 188 includes a first annular section 11% which is press-fitted within the corresponding end of member 195, and a second annular section 112 of greater diameter than section 11% and having a face 1'14 providing a shoulder against which the proximal end of member 1% abuts.

Section 112 is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced, inwardly and radially directed teeth lid thereon which mesh with teeth 1% on gear 132 as memher 196 moves toward gear means 9%. It is evident that member 106 is movable through the corresponding opening 76 toward gear 162 and, since the latter is spherical in external configuration, gear 1% is more readily receivable within section 112 of sleeve means 19-3 so that teeth 1W- read-ily mesh with teeth 116. Openings 76 are of a diameter slightly greater than the diameter :of seclength as well as being various units, and such a tion 112 so that member 106 droops only slightly at the end thereof as the same moves toward gear 102.

In operation, unit 12 is first disposed on track structure 24 in proper operating position, and then unit 14 is moved onto track structure 24 by any suitable means such as a lift truck or the like. Unit 14- is disposed on track structures 24 in spaced relationship to unit 20 and then the same is moved over tracks 26 and 28 so that the coupling member 136 of unit 14' is moved through the corresponding opening 76 of unit 12 toward the gear 182 of the latter. Since the external surface of gear 1% of unit 12 is spherical, the gear 102 is readily receivable within section 112 carried by the member 106 of unit 14 and teeth 104 thereby readily interrnesh with teeth 116. It is clear, therefore, that each of the units 14 to 20 inclusive, carry a coupling member 1% and it is preferred that section 112 be operably coupled with a source of power such as an electric motor or the like for actuating the corresponding drive means '74 thereof.

After units 12 and 14 are drivingly interconnected unit 16 is disposed on track structure 24 in spaced relationship to unit 14- and unit 116 is then shifted toward unit while the coupling member 1% of unit 16 is received within the corresponding opening 76 of unit 14 and is moved toward the gear N2 of unit 14-. Similarly, units and 2d are then individually moved into proper position relative to the adjacent unit, and the coupling members for units 18 and 2% are mated with the gears 18 2 of units d6 and 18 respectively. Since the drive means 74 of each of the units 12 to 2% is interconnected with the drive means 74 of the adjacent unit, actuation of the drive means 7 5 of unit 12 is sufficient to actuate the drive means 74 of each of the succeeding units. It is evident that individual power source is not required for units 14 to 29 inclusive. Such a construction minimizes the available sources of malfunction and thereby minimizes the loss of operating time due to shutdown caused malfunctions. in addition, the aforesaid construction is advantageous in view of the ease in which the coupling of the units is accomplished, as well as the time which is required to actually couple the units.

Track structure 24 positions units 12 to 20 inclusive in a manner to give a finished, workmanlike and attractive appearance, while at the same time aligns units 12 to 2d inclusive so that the members 106 are properly received within openings 76 of adjacent units. Since units 212 to inclusive may be interchangeable at will, it is only necessary that the units be shifted out of operating positions sufficient only to permit the removal of the coupling member 1% from an adjacent unit, whereby the unit may be removed and replaced by another and similar unit and once again, the units moved back into operating relationship.

The spherical configuration of gear means 3'8 permits the coupling of the latter with sleeve means 1% to be facilitated even though the axes of revolution of shafts 33 and 9% and the corresponding coupling members 106 are slightly out of alignment.

It is to be noted that each of said units 12 to 29 inclusive may be required to be operably coupled with a source of air under pressure or a supply of electrical power to actuate air driven or electrically driven elements to perform the desired operations on the web passing through the unit. To this end, a common source of air under pressure and a common supply of electrical power may be utilized by all of sad units 12 to 2G inclusive, with each unit carrying air and electrical quick-coupling means 118 and 123 respectively, as shown in FIG. 5, for interconnection with like means of adjacent units, so that each unit is coupled with the source and supply when the unit is in operating relationship to an adjacent unit. Air coupling means 11-8 on units 14 and 1 6, for example, includes a first tubular member 122 carried by one of the cross plates 76 of unit 36 and a second tubular member 124 carried by the opposite cross plates 76 of unit 14 and telescopically received within first member i215r when units 14 and 16 are operably aligned. It is clear that air coupling devices may be used so long as they are capable of being operably coupled when the units are operably aligned. Tubes 126 and 1'23 are secured to members 122 and 124 respectively and are adapt-ed to be coupled with air actuated structure on the units.

Electrical coupling means 121? may take the form of conventional Jones plugs 13% and 132 carried on extensions 134 of cross plate 76 of units 1.4- and 16, it being understood that one of the plugs has means therein for receiving the prongs of the other plug when the units 14 and 16 are moved into operable relationship. Cables 136 and 138 are operably coupled with plugs 13*? and 132 and are adapted to be coupled with electrically actuated structure on units 14 and 16.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. Apparatus for processing a moving Web comprising a number of units each adapted to receive the web and perform a distinct operation thereon as the web passes therethrough in operating relationship therewith, said units being provided with actuatable drive means thereon for actuating the units to perform said operations, the drive means of one of said units adapted to be operably coupled with a source of power for actuating the same; means carried by each of said units for operably interconnecting the drive means thereof With the drive means of a unit adjacent thereto to actuate the drive means of the units responsive to the actuation of the drive means of said one unit by said power source; and locating means positioned below said units and adapted to be positioned on a supporting surface for supporting said units and for permitting relative horizontal movement therebetween to facilitate interchanging and replacing said units, said units being disposed on said locating means in positions to align the drive means of adjacent units and to permit said web to pass through the units in operating relationship therewith.

2. Web-processing apparatus comprising a number of units each adapted to receive the web and perform a distinct operation thereon as the web passes therethrough in operating relationship therewith, said units being provided 'with actuatable drive means thereon for actuating the units to perform said operations, the drive means of one of said units adapted to be operably coupled with a source of power for actuating the same, each of said units including a pair of opposed sides having track-engaging :means thereon adjacent the lowermost margins thereof; means carried by each of said units for operably int rconnecting the drive means thereof with the drive means of a unit adjacent thereto to actuate the drive means of the units responsive to the actuation of the drive means of said one unit by said power source, said interconnecting means including an elongated, rotatable coupling member carried by the correspondin unit adjacent one side thereof and extending outwardly therefrom toward the adjacent unit; and track structure positioned below said units and adapted to be positioned on a supporting surface for supporting said units and for permitting relative horizontal movement therebetween to facilitate interchanging and replacing said units, said structure including a pair of spaced tracks, each disposed below a corresponding side of the proximal unit and operably coupled with said track-engaging means on said last-mentioned side in supporting relationship thereto, said tracks adapted to be positioned on said surface to align the coupling member of one of the units with the drive means of an adjacent unit and to permit said Web to pass through the units in operating relationship therewith.

3. Web-processing apparatus comprising a number of units each provided with a pair of opposed sides and. actuatable drive means thereon for moving the web and actuating the corresponding unit, said units adapted to receive the web and perform distinct operations thereon as the Web passes therethrough in operating relationship therewith, the drive means on one of said units adapted to be operably coupled with a source of power for actuating the same, the drive means of each unit adapted to be operably coupled with the drive means of the unit adjacent thereto to actuate the units responsive to the actuation of the drive means of said one unit by said power source; and track structure positioned below said units and adapted to be positioned on a supporting surface for supporting said units and for permitting relative horizontal movement therebetween to facilitate interchanging and replacing said units, said structure including a pair of spaced tracks, each disposed below a corresponding side of the proximal unit in supporting relationship thereto, said tracks being positioned to align the drive means of adjacent units and to permit the Web to pass through the units in operating relationship therewith.

4. Web-processing apparatus as set forth in claim 3, wherein said sides of each unit are provided with recess means thereon adjacent the lowermost margins thereof, said tracks being received within said recess means in said supporting relationship to the corresponding unit.

5. Web-processing apparatus as set forth in claim 3, wherein is included leveling means carried by each of said tracks and adapted to engage the supporting surface for varying the position of the track above said surface, said leveling means comprising a threaded rod threadably received by said track and engageable with sai surface, and a track-engaging element threadably mounted on said rod and movable longitudinally thereof, said element being normally in engagement with said track in supporting relationship thereto.

6. Web-processing apparatus as set forth in claim 3, wherein is included elongated spacer means secured to said tracks and spanning the distance therebetween for maintaining a predetermined spacing therebetween.

7. Web-processing apparatus as set forth in claim 3, wherein is included means for securing each of said tracks to said supporting surface, said means including an angle bar having a first stretch secured to said track and a second stretch substantially perpendicular to said first stretch and adapted to be secured to said surface.

8. Web-processing apparatus as set forth in claim 3, wherein each of said tracks includes a plurality of longitudinally aligned sections, and plate means carried by adjacent sections for ri idly interconnecting the latter.

9. Web-processing apparatus comprising a number of horizontally aligned units each movable relative to an adjacent unit to facilitate interchanging and replacing said units and provided with drive means thereon for ac uating the corresponding unit, said units being adapted to receive the Web and cooperably perform distinct operations thereon as the web passes therethrough in operating relationship therewith, the drive means on one of said units adapted to be operably coupled with a source of power for actuating the same; and means for operably interconnecting the drive means of adjacent units to actuate the latter responsive to the actuation of the drive means of said one unit by said power source, said interconnecting means comprising an elongated, rotatable couling member carried by a corresponding unit and extending outwardly therefrom toward the unit adjacent thereto, said member being operably engageable with the drive means of the adjacent unit when said units are disposed to perform said operations on the web.

It}. Web-processing apparatus as set forth in claim 9, wherein the drive means of each of said units includes a shaft mounted thereon for rotation relative thereto about the longitudinal axis of said shaft, and including means carried by the shaft for operably coupling the latter with the coupling member to thereby rotate the latter about the longitudinal axis thereof responsive to the rotation of said shaft.

ll. Web-processing apparatus as set forth in claim 10,

wherein said means for coupling said shaft with said within said sleeve in meshing relationship to said teeth coupling member is disposed on the shaft to position the thereon. coupling member with the longitudinal axis of the latter 13. Web-processing apparatus as set forth in claim 12, in substantially co-ex-tensive alignment with the longiwherein said gear is provided with a convex outermost tudinal axis of said shaft. 5 surface and provided with a plurality of circumferentially 12. Web-processing apparatus as set forth in claim 10, spaced teeth on said convex surface releasably meshing wherein said means for coupling said shaft with said with the teeth on said sleeve. coupling member includes a sleeve secured to said coupling member at the proximal end thereof and provided References Cited m the file of thls patent with spaced, radially and inwardly extending teeth there- 1 UNITED STATES PATENTS on the inner surface thereof, and an annular gear secured 2,557,381 H bn J 19, 1951 to said shaft at the outermost end thereof and receivable 2,957,369 Einhiple Oct. 25. 1960 

9. WEB-PROCESSING APPARATUS COMPRISING A NUMBER OF HORIZONTALLY ALIGNED UNITS EACH MOVABLE RELATIVE TO AN ADJACENT UNIT TO FACILITATE INTERCHANGING AND REPLACING SAID UNITS AND PROVIDED WITH DRIVE MEANS THEREON FOR ACTUATING THE CORRESPONDING UNIT, SAID UNITS BEING ADAPTED TO RECEIVE THE WEB AND COOPERABLY PERFORM DISTINCT OPERATIONS THEREON AS THE WEB PASSES THERETHROUGH IN OPERATING RELATIONSHIP THEREWITH, THE DRIVE MEANS ON ONE OF SAID UNITS ADAPTED TO BE OPERABLY COUPLED WITH A SOURCE OF POWER FOR ACTUATING THE SAME; AND MEANS FOR OPERABLY INTERCONNECTING THE DRIVE MEANS OF ADJACENT UNITS TO ACTUATE THE LATTER RESPONSIVE TO THE ACTUATION OF THE DRIVE MEANS OF SAID ONE UNIT BY SAID POWER SOURCE, SAID INTERCONNECTING MEANS COMPRISING AN ELONGATED, ROTATABLE COUPLING MEMBER CARRIED BY A CORRESPONDING UNIT AND EXTENDING OUTWARDLY THEREFROM TOWARD THE UNIT ADJACENT THERETO, SAID MEMBER BEING OPERABLY ENGAGEABLE WITH THE DRIVE MEANS OF THE ADJACENT UNIT WHEN SAID UNITS ARE DISPOSED TO PERFORM SAID OPERATIONS ON THE WEB. 